MARKET WIRE NEWS

MediaCo Posts Breakout End-of-Year Audio Growth, Ranking Among the Fastest-Growing Radio Broadcasters in America

MWN-AI** Summary

MediaCo Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: MDIA) has reported impressive year-end growth in its radio audience, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing audio companies in the U.S. The surge in audience engagement and expanding reach is especially notable among Adults aged 25-54, with significant gains during weekday prime listening hours. Key markets contributed to this success, highlighting MediaCo’s cultural relevance and local-first programming approach.

In New York City, MediaCo achieved an 18.3% increase in Average Quarter-Hour (AQH) ratings and a 9.9% market share, largely driven by HOT 97’s resurgence and stable performance from WBLS. Los Angeles saw an astounding 25% increase in AQH and a 38.2% rise in cumulative audience, primarily fueled by Que Buena LA. Dallas experienced a 31.1% boost in AQH, bolstered by growth at KNOR and KBOC stations.

Among younger demographics, particularly Adults 18-49, MediaCo excelled with notable growth from stations like HOT 97 and Que Buena LA, reaffirming the company’s ability to connect with culturally engaged listeners. Standout station performance included HOT 97's remarkable 40.6% AQH increase among Adults 18-49, and KNOR in Dallas boasting a 45% AQH increase among the targeted demographic.

These positive ratings trends lay a robust foundation for the launch of Sigma Audio Networks, a new national multicultural audio platform aimed at harnessing MediaCo's local strength for national advertising efforts. As MediaCo positions itself for further expansion and deeper audience engagement, industry leaders acknowledge this as a pivotal moment in their strategy to grow in the multicultural audio landscape.

MWN-AI** Analysis

MediaCo Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) has recently delivered impressive end-of-year results, showcasing its remarkable growth in the audio market and positioning itself as a key player among radio broadcasters in the U.S. The company reported substantial audience growth within its radio portfolio, indicating robust market momentum driven by strong performance, particularly among the lucrative 18-49 age demographic.

Key highlights from MediaCo’s performance in urban markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas, reflect robust audience gains: New York City saw an 18.3% increase in average quarter-hour (AQH) ratings, while Los Angeles experienced a dramatic 25% rise, and Dallas reported an impressive 31.1% AQH growth. These figures underscore the effectiveness of MediaCo’s culturally relevant programming and localized content, which resonate well with younger, engaged listeners.

The launch of Sigma Audio Networks serves as a strategic move to leverage this audience momentum, allowing advertisers to connect with a national multicultural audience while benefitting from the local strength MediaCo commands in its markets. This diversification into a national platform is likely to enhance revenue opportunities, particularly as demand for multicultural media grows.

For investors considering MediaCo, the current ratings momentum and the introduction of Sigma Audio Networks signify a promising trajectory for growth. The company’s commitment to engagement and market relevance positions it favorably in a competitive landscape. As advertising budgets increasingly flow towards platforms with demonstrable audience connection, MediaCo’s strategic initiatives offer a credible pathway for sustained performance.

Given these dynamics, investors should consider MediaCo as a strategic play in the audio market. Its solid foothold in culturally relevant content and its innovative approach through platforms like Sigma Audio Networks suggest potential for continued upside as the company expands in the evolving media landscape.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: Business Wire

Ratings Momentum Fuels Major Market Gains, Younger Demo Growth, and the Launch of Sigma Audio Networks

MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) today announced strong year-end audience growth across its radio portfolio, delivering significant gains in key markets and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing audio companies in the country.

Driven by increased listening and expanded reach, MediaCo posted robust year-over-year performance across Adults 25–54 , with particularly strong results during weekday Prime listening hours , underscoring the continued strength of the company’s culturally relevant brands and local-first programming strategy.

Top Market Highlights

  • New York City: +18.3% AQH and +9.9% Share, led by HOT 97’s weekday resurgence and steady WBLS performance
  • Los Angeles: +25.0% AQH and +38.2% Cume, driven by the continued rise of Que Buena LA
  • Dallas: +31.1% AQH and +15.0% Cume, powered by growth at KNOR and KBOC

Younger Audience Momentum

MediaCo also delivered strong gains among Adults 18–49 , led by HOT 97, Que Buena LA, KRQB, and KTJM , reinforcing the company’s connection to culturally engaged, high-value listeners and its ability to drive meaningful engagement across younger demos.

Standout Station Performance

  • HOT 97 (New York): +40.6% AQH and +30.6% Share among Adults 18–49, Share among P25–54; +54.3%
  • Que Buena LA: +25.0% AQH and +17.3% Share among P25–54, with strong weekday growth
  • KNOR (Dallas): +45.0% AQH and +21.9% Share among P25–54 driven by increased weekday listening

“These results validate what advertisers are seeing firsthand: our brands are growing, our audiences are deeply engaged, and our connection to culture is translating directly into scale and impact,” said Danny Lowry, SVP, Audio Sales at MediaCo . “Across markets, we’re delivering both reach and relevance at a time when that combination matters more than ever.”

This ratings momentum also sets the stage for the launch of Sigma Audio Networks , MediaCo’s new national multicultural audio platform, designed to bring the company’s local market strength to advertisers at national scale.

“This is a pivotal moment for MediaCo,” said Brian Fisher, Chief Revenue Officer of MediaCo . “Our audience momentum, combined with our national footprint and growing share, created the perfect foundation to launch Sigma—bringing advertisers a modern, scalable audio solution rooted in culture, authenticity, and measurable impact.”

These results reflect sustained momentum across MediaCo’s audio portfolio and provide a strong foundation for continued growth in 2026, as the company expands its reach, deepens engagement, and scales its leadership in multicultural audio.

Source: Nielsen Audio PPM Analysis Tool — Jan–Dec 2024 vs Jan–Dec 2025. Supporting: Nielsen Audio Control Panel Reports, Dec 2025

About MediaCo
MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, multi-platform media company serving multicultural audiences nationwide. Its powerhouse brands—including HOT 97, WBLS, EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Que Buena Los Angeles, and the Don Cheto Radio Network—reach more than 20 million people each month across television, radio, digital, and streaming platforms. Its Sigma Audio Networks LLC, a groundbreaking national multicultural audio network, is modernizing how advertisers reach America’s growing multicultural audiences. Learn more at https://mediaco.now .

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260122254631/en/

Media Contact: press@mediacoholding.com

FAQ**

How does MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) plan to leverage its year-over-year audience growth to enhance advertiser engagement and attract new partnerships?

MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) aims to leverage its year-over-year audience growth by enhancing targeted advertising capabilities and offering innovative partnership opportunities that cater to advertisers' needs, ultimately driving engagement and expanding its client base.

What specific strategies is MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) employing to sustain its momentum in the increasingly competitive audio landscape, particularly among the younger demographic?

MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) is focusing on innovative content creation, engaging digital platforms, and strategic partnerships to attract younger audiences while enhancing its social media presence and leveraging podcasts to sustain momentum in the competitive audio landscape.

With the launch of Sigma Audio Networks, how does MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) intend to scale its multicultural audio offerings while maintaining relevance and cultural authenticity?

MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) plans to scale its multicultural audio offerings through Sigma Audio Networks by leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance content diversity, fostering partnerships with local creators, and prioritizing cultural authenticity in its programming.

What metrics will MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) utilize to measure the success of its new initiatives and the impact of audience growth on its overall business performance?

MediaCo Holding Inc. (MDIA) will utilize metrics such as audience engagement rates, revenue growth from new initiatives, advertising performance metrics, subscriber retention rates, and overall market share changes to measure the success of its initiatives and audience growth impact.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Mediaco Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: MDIA).

Mediaco Holding Inc.

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